What Is Golfers Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfers elbow is a condition that affects the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. It typically happens when you use your arm to repeatedly lift or twist objects, such as when you are playing golf, lifting weights or work that involves repetitive arm movements. The condition is typically caused by overusing the wrist flexor muscles (the muscles that are on the underside of your forearm), as these muscles all come and attach on the same point on the inside of the elbow. This area is called the medial epicondyle. As a result the condition is actually termed medial epicondylitis.

How Does Golfers Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) feel?

The pain is usually felt on the inner part of your arm and can be felt when you try to straighten or bend your wrist. It can also be triggered by activities like lifting heavy objects, using tools, or even driving. The pain can present in different ways. However, it may commonly present with a dull ache around the inside of the elbow when using the forearm muscles. You may also experience a sharp pain in the inside of the elbow when gripping an object, for example a door handle.

How Do We Treat Golfers Elbow

Golfers elbow is a condition that causes pain in the inside of the elbow. It is caused by overuse and can be treated with a variety of options.

The first step in treating golfers elbow is to start to manage the symptoms, this is can be achieved with rest, ice or anti-inflammatory means for the elbow The next step is to identify the cause and begin a personalised treatment and rehabilitation program with a goal of improving the flexibility and strength at the elbow, wrist and shoulder joint.

At our Orpington and Bromley clinics we work extensively with golfers elbow and can happily build these programs for you alongside hands on manual treatment.